On January 27, 2025, the latest diplomatic contact between India and China, marked by the visit of Vikram Misri, Secretary of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, to China, marks a significant moment in bilateral relations. This visit followed a series of meetings aimed at resolving the long-standing military standoff in Ladakh and revitalizing dialogue mechanisms that have been strained since the deadly clash on their disputed border in 2020. Discussions during Misri’s visit covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including the restoration of direct flights between the two countries, which had been suspended due to the pandemic and subsequent diplomatic tensions.[1]
Foreign Office Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to China is an important diplomatic gesture aimed at normalizing relations between India and China. The suspension of direct flights between the two countries as a result of the pandemic and the diplomatic fallout from the 2020 border conflict has been a symbolic representation of strained relations. The restoration of these flights was not only a logistical issue, but also a symbolic step towards the restoration of people-to-people contacts and economic exchanges. The discussions around this issue reflect a mutual recognition of the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and engagement even in the midst of political and military tensions.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s emphasis on looking at bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective is an important aspect of this diplomatic thaw. This approach is in line with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s statements that relations need to improve to overcome post-2020 border issues. Both countries are encouraged to adopt a forward-looking approach, focusing on long-term benefits rather than short-term gains. This strategic perspective is crucial as both sides navigate the complexities of their interactions, which span economic, military and geopolitical dimensions.
Historically, India-China relations have been characterized by a cycle of thaw, provocation and the resurfacing of border disputes. This has been the case in the recent past, with periods of diplomatic engagement interrupted by military confrontations and territorial claims. Current efforts to revive diplomacy and dialogue mechanisms are seen as attempts to break this cycle and build a more stable and predictable relationship. However, underlying issues such as the border dispute and strategic rivalries in the region continue to pose significant challenges to a sustainable improvement in bilateral relations.[2]
The 2020 border clash in the Galvan Valley dramatically highlighted the fragility of India-China relations. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of soldiers from both sides, led to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations and the stalling of several diplomatic and economic initiatives. The ensuing military standoff in Ladakh has been one of the longest and most contentious in recent history, with both sides deploying additional troops and infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control. Current diplomatic efforts aim to de-escalate tensions and find a mutually acceptable solution to the border dispute.
Despite political and military tensions, economic ties between India and China have continued to grow. This underscores the intertwined nature of the two countries’ economies. China is one of India’s largest trading partners and bilateral trade has reached record levels in recent years. But while this economic interdependence provides a strong incentive for both countries to maintain stable relations, it also creates vulnerabilities, especially for India, which has a significant trade deficit with China.[3]
The economic dimension of India-China relations is further complicated by strategic competition in the region. The Indian Ocean, a critical maritime corridor for global trade, has become a focal point of geopolitical competition. Current diplomatic efforts to revitalize India-China relations are a positive development. However, there are significant challenges in this process. The border dispute remains a major obstacle to sustained improvement in bilateral relations. While both sides have expressed a commitment to resolve the issue through dialogue, the lack of a mutually acceptable solution continues to fuel tensions. Both countries will need to overcome the complexity of their relationship by focusing on long-term benefits and regional stability. The success of these efforts will depend on their ability to address key issues and build a more stable and predictable relationship.
[1] “India Foreign Secy to visit China to Revive Ties”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-foreign-secy-visit-beijing-talks-revive-ties-2025-01-23/, (Access Date: 30.01.2025).
[2] “China-India Relations: The Thaw-Provoke-Repeat Cycle”, The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/china-india-relations-the-thaw-provoke-repeat-cycle/, (Access Date: 30.01.2025).
[3] “India and China Should Admit Their Economies Are Intertwined”, Bloomberg, https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-01-02/india-and-china-should-admit-their-economies-are-intertwined, (Access Date: 30.01.2025).
